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8 Feb, 2016 12:10

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United: Five Talking Points

Chelsea 1-1 Manchester United: Five Talking Points

Chelsea striker Diego Costa scored an injury-time equalizer to earn his side a dramatic draw against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in what was an entertaining clash between the two English giants.

Diego Costa's fiery first match against United

While already the scourge of Arsenal after many hotly contested battles, Sunday's match was the infamous Diego Costa's first against Manchester United. The Spaniard has either been injured or suspended for previous match-ups over the last two years, and all eyes were on the striker at Stamford Bridge - and for good reason.

Costa was his usual irate self in the first half, giving the officials plenty of grief when things went against him, and was well marshaled by the United backline until his dramatic stoppage-time equalizer. Peeling away from a sprawling Daley Blind, Costa was afforded two bites of the cherry after his first shot was blocked, making no mistake from close range at the second time of asking to earn his side a precious point.

10 games unbeaten and 10 games without a win

Chelsea's draw against United was their fourth consecutive home draw, extending interim manager Guus Hiddink's unbeaten stint at the club to 10 games. The point leaves the Blues in 13th, with United now 10 games without a win over their rivals. The Red Devils dominated the game for long periods with Jesse Lingard seemingly securing a win for his side with a stunning half-volley on the turn after 61 minutes.

Mourinho looking on

Before the match had even started at Stamford Bridge, talk of Jose Mourinho taking over at Manchester United had hit new heights, with reports in Spain claiming the agent of the former Chelsea manager has already brokered a deal for his client to take the reins at the end of the season. Louis van Gaal today dismissed the links, with his side's performance on Sunday very encouraging for the Dutchman.

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho continues to haunt Chelsea & Manchester United

Anthony Martial drew a magnificent save from Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois on the 18-minute mark, Juan Mata dictated the play from the middle of the park and the United defense was comfortable for long stretches. The late equalizer will be a bitter pill for LVG, but this was another good performance from his side, carrying on from the impressive 3-0 win over Stoke in the week.

Chelsea handball appeal

While on the back foot for the majority of the first half, the Blues felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty after captain John Terry's shot seemed to hit the left arm of Daley Blind. Referee Michael Oliver pointed for a corner kick, much to the disbelief of the Chelsea players. Replays suggest that the shot hit the elbow of the United defender, but with the Dutchman's arms close by his sides, the referee's decision seemed to have been the right one.

John Terry playing for his future? 

The news that Chelsea captain John Terry has not been offered a contract extension by the club has been met with surprise from many, with Chelsea maintaining that his future would be decided by the next manager. The 35-year-old has started the majority of games this season, playing every game since the departure of Jose Mourinho. Terry revealed at the end of the draw against United that he wants to stay in West London, but the club are not currently in discussions with the player.

“It's a difficult one,” Terry said. “The club is the most important thing but there's no communication at the moment. I said what I had to say, that's how it is. I've made it very clear I want to stay, but more important is getting up to where we should be in the table.”

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